Mary Hunt- Everyday Cheapskate: Cranberries: More than relish

Did you know that there are 440 cranberries in one pound? And 4,400 cranberries in one gallon of juice? And 440,000 cranberries in a 100-pound barrel?

That Americans consume some 400 million pounds of cranberries each year? For sure they are delicious, but there are so many other ways you can use fresh cranberries.

--------- Centerpiece. Start with Styrofoam balls, any size. Cut a bunch of wood toothpicks in half. Stick a pick into the ball so that about 1/2- inch is sticking out.

Push a cranberry onto the toothpick until it touches the foam ball. Repeat until the ball is covered, placing the cranberries close enough so the white ball does not show through. Set your cranberry balls on candle holders of various heights, or pile them into a large bowl.

--------- Glitter. In a medium bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons water and 1 tablespoon pasteurized egg white (or one raw egg white) until blended but not whipped.

Coat raw cranberries with this mixture. Spread granulated sugar on a baking sheet and roll the cranberries in it until they are covered. Dry at room temperature for 2 hours. Use as garnish for desserts, or eat them plain. Sugared cranberries almost sparkle, they are so pretty.

--------- Garland. Wash cranberries. Thread a large sewing needle with waxed dental floss. Secure the first cranberry on the floss by putting the needle through the cranberry twice, then making a knot in the floss.

Continue threading the cranberries until the desired length is achieved to decorate the mantel, Christmas tree or banister.

Fun fact: If you strung all the cranberries produced in North America last year, they would stretch from Boston to Los Angeles more than 565 times.

--------- Flower arrangements. Pour fresh raw cranberries into a clear glass vase. Add water. Now add a simple flower arrangement. The red berries in the water are stunning. Berries will last longer than the flowers, so don't worry about them going bad.

Hint: You don't have to add the water or even the flowers. Clear glass vases filled partially with red cranberries add a beautiful decorator touch to any setting.

Cook uncovered for 5 minutes. Spoon off any foam that forms. Serve hot or cold. Yum.

--------- Would you like to send a tip to Mary? You can e-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 18 books, including her latest, "Can I Pay My Credit Card Bill With a Credit Card?" and "Tiptionary 2." To find out more about Mary Hunt and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.